Camp Info
| Ages: | 6–16 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Technology: | Technology, Robotics, Engineering |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Space |
[email protected]
Poway, CA, USA
Mad Science Lab Poway Camp is a half-day science camp program for elementary-age children. The listed 2026 sessions at the Mad Science Lab in Poway include Jr. Detective, NASA Space Academy, and Mad Science All-Stars. Grade ranges vary by session: Jr. Detective is listed for grades 1 to 5, while NASA Space Academy and Mad Science All-Stars are listed for grades 2 to 6. The broader Mad Science camp overview describes camps as designed for kids ages 5.5 to 11.
The camp atmosphere is playful, energetic, and experiment-driven. Instead of a quiet classroom model, campers learn through spy missions, space challenges, science demonstrations, take-home projects, and hands-on activities. Some activities are mystery-based, some are engineering-based, and others bring in chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, and invention.
Each theme gives children a different way into science. A camper who likes puzzles may enjoy Jr. Detective. A child fascinated by rockets and planets may prefer NASA Space Academy. A builder or experiment-loving child may connect with Mad Science All-Stars.
This camp is best for kids who enjoy asking questions, solving problems, making things, and learning through active participation. It may be less suitable for children looking for a sports-heavy camp, a full-day childcare option, or a highly academic science class.
| Ages: | 6–16 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Technology: | Technology, Robotics, Engineering |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Space |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
Mad Science Lab Poway Camp is a day camp. Campers attend during the scheduled half-day program and return home after the session ends. Overnight accommodation is not part of the camp experience.
The listed Mad Science Lab Poway sessions run in the morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Families should plan for daily drop-off and pick-up. The public camp information does not describe cabins, dorms, hotel partnerships, residential staff, or overnight supervision.
This format works best for local families or visitors who already have lodging and transportation arranged. It can also work for families who want a shorter enrichment block rather than a full-day camp commitment.
Because the program is only three hours per day, families should plan the rest of the day separately. Any afternoon activities, lunch plans, transportation, or supervision after camp are not included in the camp package.
Mad Science recommends that kids pack a water bottle and a snack each day of camp. The listed Mad Science Lab Poway sessions run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, so lunch is not part of the regular morning camp schedule.
A snack is useful because campers may be moving between experiments, activities, and demonstrations. A water bottle is also important, especially since some experiments and snack time may take place outside.
The official camp information does not describe the meals provided, a cafeteria, lunch service, or daily beverages. Families should not assume food is included. Campers should arrive with a simple snack they can manage independently.
Closed-toed shoes and sunscreen are also recommended. These are not meals, but they matter for daily preparation because some camp activities may be outdoors or involve active hands-on work.
The program is built around hands-on science, so campers should be ready to listen to instructions, use materials responsibly, and follow activity directions. This matters because camp activities may include experiments, building projects, demonstrations, and outdoor components.
Closed-toed shoes are recommended, a practical safety measure for a science camp where children may move around, handle materials, or participate in active experiments.
Mad Science Lab Poway Camp offers several themed science sessions, each with its own focus. Jr. Detective is built around detection, forensics, code language, secret messages, surveillance, clues, and a pretend crime scene. NASA Space Academy introduces space science through rocket construction, rocket launch observation, teamwork missions, a model space station, the solar system, and a lunar eclipse activity. Mad Science All-Stars explores famous scientists and inventors through structures, volcanoes, rocks, kites, lift, aerodynamics, air pressure, stars, and star charts.
The camp is hands-on and activity-based. Campers are not just hearing about science; they are decoding, building, testing, observing, and creating. The broader Mad Science camp model also includes science discovery, outdoor games, physical activity, and new topics and activities.
This program works especially well for kids who like variety. A child can attend more than one camp theme without repeating activities, since each program is different.
Registration requires signing in or creating an account.
Each session has limited openings.
Registration closes before the camp start date.
Listed Mad Science Lab Poway sessions run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Grade eligibility varies by session.
Jr. Detective is listed for grades 1 to 5.
NASA Space Academy and Mad Science All-Stars are listed for grades 2 to 6.
The broader camp overview describes camps as designed for kids ages 5.5 to 11.
